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A review by happi_mess
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
2.0
Because just as it is in Malibu's nature to burn, so was it in one particular person's nature to set fire and walk away.
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In an alternating POVs in the past and the present, Malibu Rising covers the story of famous singer Mick Riva, his wife June, and their offsprings. On the day of the legendary Riva parties hosted by Nina (the eldest Riva child), things started to get chaotic and resulted in the Malibu fire of 1983.
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Rating: ★★
Okay... to say that I am disappointed with the turnout of events is an understatement. All along I thought there was some big plot twist with who burned down the house but the fire was more of a symbolism than an actual mystery.
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The things that I like
The story of Mick and June. I enjoyed reading more about the past story of Mick and June than what is happening in the current events. That was full of color and great storytelling which I did not exactly find at the present narration. I was more invested in that than in the story of their children.
In general, I loved all of the narration that happened in the past. They were written great and like a light switch, it turns off the moment that we get back to the present. The difference really smacks you in the face. You will wish that you were just stuck in the past and feel sorry for them all.
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The things that I did NOT like
The present narration was really slow, like getting down in the nitty gritty of the descriptions and all that. There was not really much happening with the children's side of the narration other than showing their bond and revealing a pinch of their individual problems. The party did not really start until the Part II of the book.
Short stories. There were also bits and short stories about other people that were not even side characters. Like... why do I have to know about them? Are they contributing anything to the story? Not really. So why do I have to read about them? They are not even significant to the grand scheme of things.
The main characters.The Riva kids lacked depth and were all dull. Nina was so monotone. Kit was so hostile or too angsty. I did not even care for them. I was not into the whole Riva party with its narcissistic stereotype Hollywood people. They were all a puzzle with pieces missing. I don't connect with them.
The best part of the siblings were probably Hud and Jay because of their bond. June was not the best character but was actually a somewhat accurate representation of a very much in love woman who based her life off a man's decisions (it sucks but it happens). And did I mention that I hate Mick Riva so much? Yes, I do. He was the weakest and the person who I want to strangle the most.
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In sum:
Then as again, I lost faith in men and their cheating escapades. Thank you very much for the constant reminder TJR. This is one of my anticipated reads of 2021 and I just felt a little let down with how things turn out here.
I still loved how this was written, especially the story of Mick and June. I was buying that story, but with Nina, the siblings, and the whole Riva party shenanigan? No, thank you! Unfortunately, that made up most of the book—the reason why I am giving this book a poor rating. I KNOW, it's breaking my heart too.
It's funny to think that one of my favorite books of all time [b:Daisy Jones & The Six|40597810|Daisy Jones & The Six|Taylor Jenkins Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580255154l/40597810._SY75_.jpg|61127102] was written by the same author. But I'll still be here, waiting for the next TJR book that I'll love. This woman have magic in her writing and I know that she will write something that I would love again.